SG Heritage Dictionary

Crocus [Noun] Webster's Dictionary 1828

1. Saffron, a genus of plants.

2. In chimistry, a yellow powder; any metal calcined to a red or deep yellow color.

Crocus [Noun] Webster's Dictionary 1913

1. A genus of iridaceous plants, with pretty blossoms rising separately from the bulb or corm. C. vernus is one of the earliest of spring-blooming flowers; C. sativus produces the saffron, and blossoms in the autumn.

2. A deep yellow powder; the oxide of some metal calcined to a red or deep yellow color; esp., the oxide of iron (Crocus of Mars or colcothar) thus produced from salts of iron, and used as a polishing powder.